Hong Kong’s third government-led community living room was inaugurated in Nam Cheong on Thursday, aiming to benefit 750 subdivided housing units and 120,000 annual users along with the existing one in Sham Shui Po.
Spanning approximately 2,200 square feet, the facility is situated on Nam Cheong Street in Sham Shui Po and features shared amenities such as a communal kitchen, dining area, living room, shared space for students to study, and self-service laundry facilities.
The community services include homework tutoring and lectures covering life information and community resources.
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During the launch ceremony, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said that the Nam Cheong Community Lounge is well-equipped to meet the daily needs of subdivided housing families, describing it as a prime example of collaboration between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s government, business, and the community.
The first community lounge in Hong Kong opened in Sham Shui Po in December last year. Chan said that the area is one of the most densely populated with subdivided housing units.
The Pilot Programme on Community Living Room has approved four projects, with the second in Hung Hom operational since July. The fourth lounge, located in To Kwa Wan, is in a trial operation phase.
Chan said that the four community lounges are expected to benefit 1,750 households and 270,000 annual users.
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Chan said he hopes subdivided housing residents will integrate with the community, achieving a goal of care and inclusion, and he looks forward to continued collaboration with various sectors to establish and operate community lounges in areas with significant need, extending the benefits to more deserving residents.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said in July that most community lounges are situated in Kowloon, with Kwun Tong and Kwai Chung holding potential for similar facilities.
As of July, the first Sham Shui Po Community Lounge had attracted over 500 subdivided housing residents.
